'THE SHAUGHRAUN.'

Evening Star, Issue 9123, 2 May 1893, Page 2

'THE SHAUGHRAUN.'

That the circus did not " scoop the pool" during their recent stay in Dunedin was manifested by the large audience which filled the Princess's last evening on the occasion of the first visit to this City of the Collet Dobson Company. The management have wisely determined to play at the popular prices which were originally introduced by the Hugo Minstrels, and are now for the first time applied to a dramatic and comedy company. Nothing can be more disheartening to the members of a company than to have to play night after night to a " beggarly array of empty benches," and recognising the difficulty of drawing large audiences under the old tariff, save by the aid of some "star," Mr Dobson and Mr Petherick decided to cater for the public at a considerable reduction on the old system of fees. And judging by last night's experience these gentlemen will have no cause to regret the step they have taken. The piece selected for the opening was 'Thetthaughraun,' the principal character —that of the rollicking Conn—being entrusted to Mr J. P. O'Neill. The performance throughout was a satisfactory one, but Mr O'Neill was especially effective when disguised as the escaped convict and in the wake scene. He sang ' The Irishman's toast' in a manner which evoked hearty applause. Miss Idrene Thornton made a very acceptable Clare Ffolliott, playing ijt a thoroughly natural and conscientious manner. Wie liked her best 'in the second • Act, when acting as the decoy of Captain Molincaux. This character was entrusted to Mr Collet Dobson, who played it with an ease and dignity that quickly established him a favorite with the audience. Mr Newton Griffiths (who has recently seceded from the Mwioji ''W*Ui s Dramatic Company) undertook the part of Corry Kinchella) at short notice, m\d his conception of it wa9 such as to leave the impression that when he is perfect in the text nothing will be wanting to make this character in his hands as objectionable as the playwright intended it to be. Mr Moss as Robert Ffolliott and Mr Modus as Harvey Duff were fairly successful. Miss Fanny Wiseman (the Topsy of the last' Fun on the Bristol' combination) was a vivacious Moya Doolan, and Miss Dorah York scored a partial success as Arte O'Neal; but the Father" Doolan of Mr Inglesonwas a decided blemish in an otherwise all-round satisfactory performance. The piece was fairly well mounted, the scene depicting the ruins of St. Bridget's Abbey being especially worthy of mention, A capital orchestra, under the direction of Miss Seabrook (pianist) is provided. 'The Shaughraun' will be played for the last time to-night.